Voting for a Democrat or Republican to fill your district seat could soon be a thing of the past.

Greenville City Council is a step closer to holding non-partisan elections.

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For years Greenville residents voting for the mayor and members of council had two options -- a Democratic candidate or a Republican candidate. Mayor Knox White said that system has worked.

“You know the saying if it's not broken, why fix it?” asked White.

But, council is moving toward change.

If the non-partisan elections ordinance is approved, council candidates would not have to declare a political party.

There would be no primary election -- all of the candidates would be on the November ballot. And parties could endorse as many candidates as they want.

“Certain people who are used to voting ‘Ds’ or ‘Rs’ will not understand the process and therefore will not come to the polls,” said State Rep. Chandra Dillard.

Those against the ordinance held a news conference before Monday's council meeting.

Dillard, who used to serve on City Council, said the move would decrease voter turnout, but councilwoman Amy Ryberg Doyle believes it would get more people to the polls, especially young people.

“Young people on a local level don't associate with ‘Ds’ and ‘Rs’. We see the largest number of independents are younger than 30 years old,” said Ryberg Doyle.

Those against the ordinance also said it would be an unfair to minorities.

"In particular, we're talking about Districts 2 and 3 -- the minority districts. There would be multiple persons on the ballot running in those instances which could lead to devolution of the minority vote,” said Dillard.

The first reading passed in a 4-3 vote.

The second and final reading will be held May 12.

Greenville is one of eight municipalities in South Carolina to have partisan elections.